Working in Australia

You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.

In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in Australia but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!

1. What type of visa do I need?

Australian Working Holiday Visa

If you would like to obtain paid work during your programme you will need to obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. UK citizens aged 18-30 are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.  It costs around £150 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure. 

Australian Tourist Visa

If you don’t want to work in Australia you can get an Australian Tourist Visa. For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.

2. Do I need to be an elite athlete?

Absolutely not! We cater for athletes of all abilities. We will obtain further information on your sporting ability once you have submitted your booking form. This will allow us to match you with a suitable club.

3. How can I find out more general information?

Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates.  Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information.  If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.

We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.

Club structure

Rowing clubs generally have multiple streams.  There is usually an ‘elite stream’ geared towards producing world-class rowers. This stream comprises promising young rowers, state and Australian representatives.  Rowers who are part of this stream train once or twice a day, 5-6 days a week. There’s also a ‘club stream’ which is made up of rowers of all abilities. Rowers in this stream usually train 3 – 4 times during the week and participate in regattas at weekends. As clubs have lots of members and different streams they’re able to accommodate oarsmen and women of all abilities and you’ll be assigned to an appropriate team when you arrive.

Regattas and competitions

Rowing clubs take part in regattas throughout the season  Most crews are formed in September/October and train towards state and national championships which are usually held in February and March. If you’re selected for national championships you’ll get to race against Australia’s best rowers and there’s a good chance you’ll get to visit another city. The 2008 National Championships for example were held in Penrith, at the site of Steve Redgrave’s 5th Olympic Gold medal during the 2000 Olympics.  

Off the water

With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity. There’ll be drinks after training and regattas plus social events throughout the season - pub crawls, BBQs by the river and an end of season dinner. Many clubs also arrange training camps, a great chance to get to know your teammates whilst exploring a new part of Oz.

Rowing development

Our clubs are selected for their high quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return home as a much improved rower. 

...and finally

What are you waiting for? Get out there and show the Aussies how it’s done!